Sponsor

Sponsor

Results of teen survey may be in jeopardy

Results from this year's Minnesota Student Survey of teenagers may turn out to be less useful to policy makers, because of a change in how parents give permission for their kids take the survey. The survey has been done since 1989, and has gathered information that's shaped programs designed to reduce bullying, smoking, and drug use. In previous years, parents could opt their kids out of the survey. But starting this spring, the Department of Education is requiring written permission from parents. Several school districts say they will not even bother with the survey this year, because they do not have the staff and budget to pay for it. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Minnesota Department of Education Commissioner Cheri Pearson Yecke.